Wednesday, May 1, 2013

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In their latest attempt to forsake the nutritional sins of the past (see: Double Quarter Pounder, Triple Thick Shakes, and Super Size Me), certain McDonald’s locations have expanded their breakfast menus to include the Egg White Delight, a wholesome take on the classic McMuffin sandwich made with 100% egg whites, extra-lean Canadian bacon, and white cheddar cheese.

The Delight is a healthier alternative to the traditional Egg McMuffin, a dietary staple for teenagers and truck drivers the world over. Everyone is familiar with the McMuffin family and its glorious sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese counterparts; most of us, however, aren’t aware that the infamous left-handed breakfast was created right here in Santa Barbara.

Herb Peterson, a former franchise co-owner and operator of six restaurants in Santa Barbara County, came up with the ingenious idea to stack eggs, cheese, and Canadian bacon on top of an English muffin wrapped in wax paper back in 1972. Four decades and several generations later, his legacy lives on in the hearts and stomachs of the American public.

“Since my dad invented the Egg McMuffin more than 40 years ago, customers have come to know and love McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches for their great taste,” said David Peterson, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become the owner-operator of six McDonald’s locations in Santa Barbara. “It was important for us to deliver that same great taste with the new Egg White Delight McMuffin and egg white breakfast sandwiches. That’s why our egg whites are freshly grilled in our restaurants and paired with white cheddar for the perfect flavor combination.”

The new McMuffin weighs in at just 250 calories and provides 8 grams of whole grain, joining a handful of other healthy McDonald’s breakfast options like the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal and Fruit N’Yogurt Parfait. It supports the company’s “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices” program implemented in 2011, which includes annual “nutrition progress reports,” online nutrition classes for employees, and a “Favorites Under 400” (i.e. calories) menu.

Central Coast residents will have the opportunity to sample the Egg White Delight for free at participating locations between May 2 and 4 (one sample per person, per visit, during breakfast hours only). For more information, visit McDonalds.com.